From pest to profits

Maligned for clogging up Thailand’s canals but also praised for its absorption of heavy metals, water hyacinth is earning fans in its new life as an alternative material source for fashion items. 

A collection of fabric handbags made from water hyacinth fibre showcased at the recent “Bangkok OTOP Runway 2013” won loud applause from spectators. 

Organised by the Interior Ministry’s Community Development Department, the runway event displayed a variety of goods made under the “One Tambon One Product” scheme and took place recently at Central World under the watchful eye of Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan. 

“For Otop to receive global recognition, it’s important that communities produce items that offer both style and quality,” Charupong said. “These handbags made from water hyacinth fibre meet those requirements. They are totally different from ordinary basketry and turn the water hyacinth into a worthy resource.”

The event featured a fashion show of the elegant fabric bags with celebrities and A-listers happily taking to the catwalk. They included Thailand’s first Miss Universe Apasra Hongsakula, ML Preeyaphan Srithawat, Dr Sirikorn Maneerin, Kanjana Silpa-archa, Sawitree Dhamapong, Visaradee Techateerawat, Patsarakorn Chirathivat, Warawut Laohapongchana, Siraprapa Chirabandhu, Chindapa Boonyagorn, Chatchada Kongtoranin, Pita Limjaroenrat and Chutima Limjaroenrat

The highlight of the show adorned the arm of actress Khemanit “Pancake” Jamikorn and showcased not just water hyacinth creativity but also 50-carat Siamese rubies worth Bt500,000. 

The pesky plant also took a bow for its appearance in purses, clutches, tote bags, handbags, shoulder bags, decorative items and premium gifts. Among the attractions was the demonstration by craftsmen on how to weave water hyacinth fibre.